Marcus Stroman accepts New York Mets’ $ 18.9 million qualifying offer

Right-hander Marcus Stroman accepted the New York Mets’ one-year qualifying offer of $ 18.9 million.

The Mets made the offer to the free agent on November 1. Stroman confirmed on Twitter that he had accepted it, saying, “Beyond the excitement of being back in Queens in 2021!

Stroman also said on Twitter that he was excited to play for Mets new owner Steve Cohen.

After watching the presser I’m more than happy to play for you sir. I could feel the excitement and passion that you are going to bring on a daily basis. Let’s go be awesome! @ StevenACohen2

– Marcus Stroman (@ STR0) November 11, 2020

Players have until 5 p.m. ET Wednesday to accept qualifying offers. Besides Stroman, Trevor Bauer, Kevin Gausman, George Springer, DJ LeMahieu and JT Realmuto also received offers. Bauer’s agent has indicated he will not accept the offer, and a report says LeMahieu will reject it as well.

Stroman entered free agency without making a speech during the 2020 season cut short by the pandemic. After recovering from a torn left calf muscle, which he suffered just two days before the season opens, the right-hander decided in August to retire from the remainder of the season following talks with his family on the coronavirus pandemic.

At the time, Stroman, 29, said the decision was made only “in the best interests of my family,” adding that his grandmother and uncle had weakened immune systems and were regularly around her. mother.

His decision to retire came after a second mock game in which he threw 85 shots, with the intention of returning to the Mets’ rotation the following week. He was then placed on the shortlist.

The 5-foot-7 Stroman, who grew up about 50 miles from Citi Field, was 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA in 11 starts for the Mets after being acquired at the trade deadline of the Mets. Toronto Blue Jays in 2019. The All-Star team for the Blue Jays, 6-11 with a 2.96 ERA in 21 starts before the trade.

The loose ground ball pitcher has pitched over 200 innings twice in a season. Overall, he’s 51-47 with a 3.76 ERA in 146 games, including 140 starts, over six major league seasons. He was the MVP of the 2017 World Baseball Classic and won a Golden Glove with Toronto later that year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.